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From Shelf to Skin: Tracing Microplastic Contamination in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products across Türkiye
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Researchers tested 79 personal care products sold in Türkiye — shampoos, shower gels, peeling gels, and toothpastes — and found microplastics in most categories, with shower gels containing the highest levels. Plastic fibers were the most common type found, while microbeads were rare and appeared in only one brand, suggesting that bead bans may be having some effect. The study highlights that people are routinely applying microplastic-containing products directly to their skin, and calls for standardized testing methods and stronger international regulations.
This study investigates microplastic content in 79 personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs)-shampoos, shower gels, peeling gels, and toothpastes-from various commercial brands in Türkiye, each analyzed through multiple extractions. Microplastics were identified using stereomicroscopy, Nile Red staining for fluorescence-based screening, and confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Shower gels contained the highest levels, while no microplastics were detected in toothpastes. Two types of microplastics -fibers and microbeads- were found, with fibers most common in shower gels (46%), followed by peeling gels (40%) and shampoos (14%). Polyethylene-based microbeads appeared only in one shower gel brand. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between product types (p < 0.05). FTIR analysis revealed that bead-like particles in peeling gels and toothpastes were primarily silica- or cellulose-based. Findings suggest a declining trend in plastic microbeads, possibly influenced by global awareness and policy changes. The study highlights the lack of standardized methodologies in PCCP microplastic research and calls for harmonized international regulations to reduce environmental contamination and ecological risks.
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Researchers analyzed popular skin-cleansing products including liquid soap, micellar water, and cleansing oil, and found microplastics present in all of them. The particles varied in size and type, with potential exposure through skin absorption, accidental ingestion, and inhalation during use. This study identifies everyday personal care products as a source of microplastic exposure that most people would not suspect.
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Researchers analyzed 21 skincare and treatment cream products for microplastic contamination and found 109 microplastic particles of various sizes, shapes, and chemical compositions, including polyethylene and polyester. They surveyed over 354 consumers in Romania about cosmetic usage habits to estimate annual exposure levels. The study assessed potential health risks from dermal contact with microplastics in cosmetic products, raising concerns about this often-overlooked exposure pathway.
Personal Care and Cosmetic Products as a Potential Source of Environmental Contamination by Microplastics in a Densely Populated Asian City
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Researchers surveyed personal care and cosmetic products sold in a densely populated Asian city for microbeads and other microplastic ingredients, documenting the extent of microbead-containing products still on the market and estimating their potential contribution to municipal wastewater microplastic loads.
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Researchers analyzed 15 brands of personal care and cosmetic products sold in Sri Lanka for microplastic content, making it the first such study in the country. They found microplastics in products including face washes, facial scrubs, baby creams, and skin creams. The study highlights personal care products as a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic pollution entering waterways.
Physical-chemical characterization of microplastics present in some exfoliating products from Spain
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Researchers physically and chemically characterised microplastics from ten personal care exfoliating products marketed in Spain, finding polyethylene microspheres in concentrations between 6-7% of total product weight in some cases. Smaller particles generally appeared at higher concentrations, highlighting these products as a direct source of microplastic pollution entering waterways.
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